Small Business Grants You Can Apply For
Securing funding is one of the biggest hurdles for small business owners. While loans and investments are commonly pursued, small business grants offer a highly attractive alternative — free money that doesn’t require repayment.
In this article, we’ll explore various types of small business grants, where to find them, and how to improve your chances of getting approved.
🔍 What Is a Small Business Grant?
A small business grant is a financial award given to entrepreneurs and small businesses for specific purposes such as starting a business, expanding operations, conducting research, or supporting underserved communities. Unlike loans, grants do not require repayment.
🏛️ Types of Small Business Grants
1. Federal Government Grants
Typically for research, education, and technology-based startups.
- Grants.gov – Central database for U.S. federal grants
- SBIR/STTR – For tech and R&D startups
2. State and Local Grants
Offered by city and state governments to promote local business growth.
- State Economic Development Agencies
- Local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
3. Corporate and Private Grants
Sponsored by companies to support small businesses and innovation.
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Comcast RISE
- Amazon Black Business Accelerator
4. Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Black Founder Startup Grant
5. Grants for Women-Owned Businesses
- Amber Grant
- Cartier Women’s Initiative
- IFundWomen
6. Grants for Veterans
- Warrior Rising
- StreetShares Foundation
7. Industry-Specific Grants
- USDA Rural Business Development Grants (Agriculture)
- Clean Energy and Green Tech Grants
📋 How to Find Small Business Grants
- Grants.gov – U.S. federal grants portal
- SBA.gov – Resources and guidance from the Small Business Administration
- HelloAlice.com – Curated grant lists for underrepresented founders
- Local chambers of commerce
✅ Tips for Applying Successfully
- Only apply if you meet all eligibility criteria
- Have a strong, clear business plan
- Tailor your application to the grant’s mission
- Highlight measurable impact
- Submit early and keep documents organized
⚖️ Grant vs Loan: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Grant | Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Repayment | No | Yes, with interest |
| Eligibility | Often competitive & restrictive | Based on credit and business performance |
| Use of Funds | Usually restricted | More flexible |
| Risk | No financial liability | Creates debt |
📌 Final Thoughts
Small business grants can be a powerful resource for entrepreneurs seeking to start, grow, or innovate. While competition can be tough, the opportunity for non-repayable funding makes the effort worthwhile.
💡 Pro Tip: Treat your grant application like an investor pitch — be focused, passionate, and results-driven.
